Manado Independent School (MIS) recently organized a series of camping events for its students, fostering character development and practical skills in an engaging outdoor environment. The camp was held in Tateli, Manado, at Company A Yonif 712 and took place over three separate sessions: elementary school students camped from October 23–25, middle school students from October 18–20, and high school students from October 9–11.
This camping experience was more than just an outdoor excursion; it was a well-designed educational program aimed at shaping students’ character. Participants honed essential life skills while enjoying nature, learning to be independent, disciplined, courageous, and cooperative through various team-building activities. The event was meticulously planned by the High School Student Association, with significant support from the teachers. The teachers commended the Student Association for their dedication and hard work, which contributed to the success of the program.
In addition to the efforts of the student organizers, instructors from the Indonesian Army were involved, providing students with practical training tailored to their age and abilities. The students learned essential survival skills, such as setting up tents and managing daily needs, fostering self-reliance and responsibility.
The camp introduced students to new challenges outside their usual routines at home and school, encouraging them to adapt to a more demanding environment. Discipline was a core focus, with students learning to manage their time, follow rules, and understand that discipline is a key component of success. Beyond the physical activities, students were also encouraged to perform in front of their peers, express opinions, and share ideas in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere. This approach helped build their confidence, which will benefit them in both academic and social contexts.
“It was a great experience. I thank God it didn’t rain, and although it was hot, we made it through the activities because we stayed calm and had fun,” said Maekailla Panteleon Lambo, an enthusiastic elementary student. “We learned to sleep without our parents and now know how to pack our belongings by ourselves,” she added proudly.
While independence and courage were central to the camp, togetherness was another key value emphasized. Through a variety of games and group activities, students were taught the importance of teamwork. Activities such as cooking, strategizing in groups to complete missions, and taking on physical challenges collectively, provided opportunities to practice collaboration. Students learned to listen, cooperate, and support each other to reach common goals.
The teachers who accompanied the students on the trip expressed pride in the progress they witnessed. They noted the significant impact the camp had in fostering independence, discipline, and courage among the students. They hope that the lessons learned during this camping experience will not only strengthen the students physically but also build character traits that will serve as a strong foundation for their future success.
